Section 15
Overview
Section 15 of the 1835 Doctrine and Covenants (known as Section 45 in the modern LDS edition) is a pivotal eschatological revelation given through Joseph Smith in March 1831. Speaking in the first-person voice of Jesus Christ, the text begins by establishing Christ's authority as Creator and Advocate with the Father. It then transitions into a sweeping prophetic discourse that heavily mirrors, expands, and alters the biblical Olivet Discourse found in Matthew 24. The text recounts the historical destruction of Jerusalem and the scattering of the Jews, before pivoting to the 'times of the Gentiles.' In this era, the text claims that the 'fulness of my gospel' (referring to the LDS restoration) will break forth as a light in darkness. The revelation outlines terrifying signs of the Second Coming, including global wars, earthquakes, and a 'desolating sickness,' while promising that the disciples will 'stand in holy places.' It vividly describes Christ's return, the cleaving of the Mount of Olives, and the Jews recognizing the wounds in His hands and feet. Theologically, it introduces unique concepts, such as the redemption of heathen nations in the first resurrection and millennial children growing up without sin. Crucially, the text issues immediate, actionable commands to the early Saints: they are instructed to translate the New Testament (which catalyzed the Joseph Smith Translation), to gather their riches, and to migrate to the 'western countries' to purchase an inheritance. This land is designated as the 'New Jerusalem' or 'Zion,' a physical city of refuge where the righteous will gather to escape the apocalyptic violence consuming the rest of the world. The section concludes with a mandate to keep these revelations secret from the world until the appointed time.
Key Figures
- Jesus Christ: The speaker of the text, identified as Creator, Advocate, Alpha and Omega, and the returning King.
- The Father: The one to whom Christ advocates on behalf of believers.
- Enoch: Mentioned as a historical figure whose city was separated from the earth and reserved for a day of righteousness.
- The Jews: Prophesied to be scattered, gathered, and eventually recognize Christ by His wounds at His Second Coming.
- The Gentiles: Those among whom the 'fulness of the gospel' breaks forth, though many reject it due to the 'precepts of men.'
Doctrines Analyzed
Key theological claims identified in this text:
The Fulness of the Gospel as a Latter-day Restoration
Assertion
The text claims that in the last days, the 'fulness of my gospel' will break forth as a new light among the Gentiles, which many will reject because of the 'precepts of men.'
Evidence from Text
when the time of the Gentiles is come in, a light shall break forth among them that sit in darkness, and it shall be the fulness of my gospel; but they receive it not... because of the precepts of men
Evangelical Comparison
In Evangelical theology, the Gospel is the finished work of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—which was fully revealed and recorded by the apostles in the New Testament (Jude 1:3, Hebrews 1:1-2). The canon is closed, and the Gospel requires no latter-day restoration. This text, however, posits that the 'fulness of the gospel' is a new light breaking forth in the 19th century (referring to the establishment of the LDS Church and its new covenants). It dismisses orthodox Christian theology as the 'precepts of men' that cause people to reject this new light. This creates a fundamental epistemological and soteriological divide, as it redefines the Gospel to include modern prophetic authority and new ordinances.
The Physical Gathering to an American Zion
Assertion
Believers are commanded to gather their wealth and migrate to the western countries to build a physical city called the New Jerusalem or Zion, which will be the only place of safety and peace on earth.
Evidence from Text
gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance... and it shall be called the New Jerusalem, a land of peace, a city of refuge... and it shall be the only people that shall not be at war one with another.
Evangelical Comparison
Evangelical Christianity understands the 'New Jerusalem' as a heavenly reality that will descend to earth at the consummation of all things (Revelation 21), and 'Zion' as representing the spiritual kingdom of God and the universal Church (Hebrews 12:22). Believers are called to be salt and light in the world, not to physically isolate themselves in a utopian commune. This text mandates a literal, geographic gathering to the American West, requiring adherents to pool their financial resources ('gather up your riches') to purchase land for salvation from apocalyptic wars. This shifts the focus of Christian hope from the spiritual security found in Christ to physical security found in a specific geographic location managed by a specific religious organization.
Salvation of the Heathen without Explicit Faith
Assertion
Heathen nations and those who died without knowing the law will be redeemed and have part in the first resurrection.
Evidence from Text
And then shall the heathen nations be redeemed, and they that knew no law shall have part in the first resurrection; and it shall be tolerable for them
Evangelical Comparison
The text asserts a universalistic redemption for 'heathen nations' and those who 'knew no law,' granting them participation in the 'first resurrection' (which in LDS theology is associated with the righteous). Evangelical theology emphasizes that salvation is found only in the name of Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12) and that general revelation leaves all humanity without excuse (Romans 1:20). While Evangelicals debate the exact nature of God's judgment on the unevangelized, the biblical witness consistently points to the necessity of faith in Christ for justification. The text's blanket promise of redemption for the heathen minimizes the urgency of the Great Commission and alters the biblical definition of the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4-6), which is reserved for those who hold the testimony of Jesus.
Millennial Children Born Without Sin
Assertion
During the millennial reign, the children of the righteous will grow up without sin unto salvation.
Evidence from Text
and their children shall grow up without sin unto salvation, for the Lord shall be in their midst
Evangelical Comparison
The text claims that during the period when the Lord is in their midst, children will 'grow up without sin unto salvation.' Evangelical theology, rooted in passages like Romans 3:23 and Psalm 51:5, teaches that all human beings inherit a fallen nature from Adam. While a millennial reign of Christ (for premillennialists) involves unprecedented peace and righteousness, human beings born during that time still possess a sin nature and require the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit and the imputed righteousness of Christ. The idea that children could grow up entirely 'without sin' contradicts the biblical doctrine of total depravity and the universal need for the atonement.
Mandate to Alter the Biblical Text
Assertion
The text commands the translation of the New Testament to reveal hidden knowledge necessary for preparation for the future.
Evidence from Text
it shall not be given unto you to know any farther concerning this chapter, until the new testament be translated, and in it all these things shall be made known: wherefore I give unto you that ye may now translate it
Evangelical Comparison
In verse 11, the text commands Joseph Smith to 'translate' the New Testament, asserting that further knowledge is hidden until this is done. This refers to the Joseph Smith Translation (JST) of the Bible, where Smith added, deleted, and altered thousands of words in the biblical text based on claimed prophetic inspiration rather than ancient manuscript evidence. Evangelical Christianity stands firmly on Sola Scriptura and the historical reliability of the biblical manuscript tradition. The assertion that the New Testament is deficient and requires a modern prophet to rewrite it to reveal 'all these things' is a direct assault on the sufficiency, clarity, and preservation of Scripture (Psalm 12:6-7, Revelation 22:18-19).
Comparative Analysis
Theological Gap (Summary)
The text redefines the Gospel as a 19th-century restoration, mandates a physical gathering to an American Zion for safety, and claims authority to rewrite the New Testament.
Theological Gap (Explained)
The theological gap between this text and Evangelical Christianity is profound, centering on authority, soteriology, and eschatology. First, the text violates Sola Scriptura by commanding a new translation of the New Testament based on prophetic claim rather than manuscript evidence, effectively subjugating the Bible to Joseph Smith's authority. Second, it redefines the 'fulness of the gospel.' In Evangelicalism, the Gospel is the historical reality of Christ's death and resurrection, sufficient for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Here, the 'fulness' refers to the newly restored LDS church and its covenants, dismissing orthodox Christian theology as the 'precepts of men.' Finally, the text imposes a geographic and financial burden on believers, commanding them to gather their riches and move to the 'western countries' to build Zion. This shifts the believer's security from the spiritual reality of being 'in Christ' (Ephesians 1:3) to a physical reliance on a utopian community, blending spiritual salvation with temporal survival.
For All Ages
Imagine you have a complete, perfect instruction manual for building a Lego castle (the Bible). Evangelical Christians believe this manual is all you need. But this text says, 'Actually, the manual is missing parts, and you need to listen to a new builder who will rewrite parts of it. Also, to be truly safe, you have to pack up all your Legos, give your money to the new builder, and move to a specific town out West.' Christians believe Jesus already made us safe no matter where we live, just by trusting in Him.
Friction Points
Sola Scriptura
Commands the translation/alteration of the New Testament to reveal hidden knowledge, subjugating the biblical text to modern prophetic authority.
Sola Fide / Sufficiency of the Gospel
Claims the 'fulness of the gospel' is a new light breaking forth in the 19th century, implying the biblical gospel was lost or insufficient.
Nature of the Church / Kingdom of God
Mandates a physical gathering and financial purchase of land in America as a necessary component of spiritual and physical safety.
Soteriology / Exclusivity of Christ
Grants participation in the first resurrection to heathen nations who knew no law, bypassing the explicit need for faith in Christ in this life.
Doctrine of Original Sin / Total Depravity
Claims that during the millennium, children will grow up entirely without sin.
Semantic Warnings
Terms that have different meanings between traditions:
"Fulness of my gospel"
In This Text
The complete doctrines, ordinances, and authority restored through Joseph Smith in the latter days.
In Evangelicalism
The complete and finished message of salvation through the grace of Jesus Christ, delivered to the first-century apostles.
"Zion / New Jerusalem"
In This Text
A literal, physical city to be built by the Saints in Jackson County, Missouri (the 'western countries'), serving as a refuge from apocalyptic destruction.
In Evangelicalism
The spiritual kingdom of God, the universal Church, and the future heavenly city that descends from God.
Soteriology (Salvation)
Salvation Defined: 'Everlasting life,' having one's 'redemption perfected,' and inheriting the earth.
How Attained: Initially by believing on Christ's name (v. 1), but expanded to include receiving the 'fulness of the gospel,' taking the Holy Spirit as a guide, and obeying the command to gather to Zion.
Basis of Assurance: Watching for the signs of the times, not being deceived, and physically standing in 'holy places' (Zion) with the gathered Saints.
Comparison to Sola Fide: Verse 1 sounds remarkably evangelical ('spare these my brethren that believe on my name... that they may have everlasting life'). However, the subsequent verses layer on requirements of geographic gathering, financial contribution for land, and adherence to the new LDS restoration. This shifts the basis of assurance from faith alone in Christ's finished work (Ephesians 2:8-9) to faith plus obedience to the modern prophet's logistical commands.
Mandates & Requirements
Explicit Commands
- Hearken and give ear to the Lord
- Listen to the Advocate
- Harden not your hearts
- Come unto the everlasting covenant
- Be not troubled
- Translate the New Testament
- Gather out from the eastern lands
- Assemble yourselves together ye elders
- Go forth into the western countries
- Call upon the inhabitants to repent
- Build up churches unto me
- Gather up your riches to purchase an inheritance
- Keep these things from going abroad unto the world until it is expedient
Implicit Obligations
- Accept Joseph Smith as the mouthpiece of Jesus Christ
- Believe that orthodox Christianity consists of the 'precepts of men'
- Look for the specific signs of the times outlined in the text
- Take the Holy Spirit as a guide to avoid deception
Ritual Requirements
- Build up churches (which implies the administration of ordinances)
Evangelism Toolkit
Practical tools for engagement and dialogue:
Discovery Questions
Open-ended questions to promote reflection:
- In verse 1, Jesus says He pleads for those who 'believe on my name.' How does that beautiful promise of grace relate to the later commands to gather riches and move to a specific location for safety?
- Verse 13 says that Zion would be a place where the wicked would not come, and the only people not at war. Given the historical reality of the Saints being driven out of Missouri by violent mobs, how do you understand the fulfillment of this prophecy?
- If the Bible's New Testament was sufficient for the early Christians, why do you think verse 11 commands a new translation to make 'all these things' known?
Redemptive Analogies
Bridges from this text to the Gospel:
Christ as the Advocate
This is a beautiful, orthodox description of Christ's intercessory work. Evangelicals can completely agree with this verse and use it as a bridge to discuss how Christ's advocacy is based entirely on His perfect merit and shed blood, not on our ability to gather riches or move to a specific city.
Spiritual Weight
Burdens this text places on adherents:
By claiming that orthodox Christianity is based on the 'precepts of men' and that the Bible requires a modern re-translation to be fully understood, the text strips the believer of the objective anchor of Scripture. The believer must constantly rely on subjective feelings ('taking the Holy Spirit for their guide') and the shifting words of modern leaders to know what is true.
The command to 'gather up your riches that ye may purchase an inheritance' places a direct financial and logistical burden on the believer. Safety from apocalyptic destruction is tied to one's ability to contribute financially and relocate physically, creating anxiety for those who lack resources.
The text heavily emphasizes terrifying signs of the times—wars, desolating sickness, earthquakes—and threatens that 'he that watches not for me shall be cut off.' This cultivates a mindset of constant apocalyptic dread and hyper-vigilance.
The mandate to flee from the 'wicked' and gather to a secluded Zion creates a stark, physical separation from the rest of humanity. It fosters an insular community dynamic where outsiders are viewed primarily as threats or 'the wicked' from whom one must escape.